The Island's Baked Goods

We have a theory. When vacationing on Hilton Head Island, there are three things you should not concern yourselves with: calories, cholesterol, and sugar. If you avoid thinking about those three items, we firmly believe you will have a delightful time on our island.

If you haven’t been paying attention to that stuff prior to your vacation, it’s too late, so you might as well enjoy our heavenly delights and work it all off at the gym when you get home. If you HAVE been a goody-two-shoes about that stuff (and if you did, in fact, knock two sizes off your waist or lower your dress size), this is why you did it!

Enter Hilton Head Island’s “bakeries.” Coligny Bakery (at Coliginy Plaza on the south end) is totally decadent – and fresh. Everything is flaky, sweet and/or sinful, in the best sense of the word. It’s small (outside dining is fun), but there is always room. Harbour Town Bakery and Café has a delicious assortment of homemade muffins and pastries, and you get to sit outside here, too.

A few minutes from the entrance to Palmetto Dunes is Ronnie’s Bakery. Donuts. Rolls. Sticky stuff. This is not Dunkin Donuts. This is the REAL item. This is a very local hangout. Expect very friendly service.

Mid-island, at Pineland Station, is the French Bakery and Courtyard Cafe. The crusty baguettes are a must. It is definitely a wonderful find. It’s also a local hangout. Come to think of it, if you haven’t visited Hilton Head Island in a while, Pineland Station is quite a find, too.

Finally, what is probably ... no ... it is in fact, a Hilton Head Island icon: Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery and Café. It’s on the south end of the island, and if you get there early enough, as you pull into the parking lot at 93 Arrow Road, you’ll smell the truly heavenly aroma of fresh breads and pastries baking. Signe’s has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, the New York Times, and was featured on the Food Network with Rachael Ray. There are islanders whose week would not be complete without a morning visit to Signe’s. For a “heaven bound bakery” it is very “sinful.” Enjoy it.

Labels: dining, hilton head, restaurants, tips

posted by Vacation Company @ 5:32 AM 0 Comments

Breakfast everyone?

When you’re on vacation, what do you think is the most important meal of the day? Dinner at Hudson’s? While we love Hudson’s (and about three dozen other seafood eateries), a good breakfast, to us, is essential to a successful vacation. Ergo, the best breakfast place is:

No question: Skillets. Sure, they have a great lunch and dinner – and live entertainment at night – but we’re talking rib-sticking, honest-to-goodness-serious BREAKFAST. Yes, Hilton Head has other fine choices but, you’re what, 30 yards from the beach, you can have your eggs any way you like them. HUGE pancakes. Fresh juice. REAL grits and hash browns. (Map.)

O.K. Another “no question:” Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café. True to their name, they open the doors at 6 A.M. That’s the time they start their Early Bird Special (6 - 8 A.M.). For $5 you can get a couple of eggs, meat, grits or hash browns and toast. (Map.)

Another sure thing, and VERY local, is Signe’s. We will accept your thanks after you’ve experienced this island tradition. Everything you eat there is hand and home made. There is nothing on the menu we wouldn’t recommend. The actual name of the establishment is “Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery & Café. You want to meet locals, meet at Signe’s. It’s one of those places where you want to say, “I’ll take one of everything.” (Map.)

O.K. Finally. Local, local, local. Plantation Café and Deli will get you into a great breakfast mood. Everything is more or less custom.

How to choose? Our recommendation: All of the above. Hog out. Believe us, you’ll need the energy. If children are involved in your Hilton Head Island vacation, do not be ashamed to ask for seconds.

Dear, do you mind passing the syrup?

Labels: dining, hilton head, tips

posted by Vacation Company @ 9:55 AM 0 Comments